Solar generator.



Patented Mar. 2s, Ism.

No. 670,9l7.

- A. s. ENEAs.

SULAR GENERATOR. (Applieiunn med Aug. 2o, 1900.

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'l es; 22M 4% No. 670,9l7.

Patented Mar. 26, I90l. A. G. ENEAS.

SUI-AR GENERTB. u Appxicmon med Aug. 2o, woo.;

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No. amen. ranma Mr. 2s, lam.

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SOLAR GENERATOR. Application mea Aug. 2o, '1900.2

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Patented Mar. 26, I90l.

No. 670.9I7.

11x.` G. ENEAs. SDLR` GENERATR. (Application filed Aug. 20, l900.|

5 Sheets-Sheet 5.

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Un'iTnn STATES PATENT Ornion.

AUBREY G. ENEAS, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO SOLAR MOTOR COMPANY, OF SAME PLACE AND JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY.

SOLAR GENERATOR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 670,917, dated March 26, 1901.

Application filed August 20, 1900. Serial No. 27,403. (No model.)

To @ZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, AUBREY G. ENEAS, a subject of the Queen of Great Britain, residing at Boston, county of Suffolk, State of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Solar Generators, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like letters on the drawings representing like parts.

My present invention is an apparatus for utilizing the direct heat of the suns rays for generating steam or otherwise taking advantage of the stored-up energy thereof. Various inventions in this general line have already been suggested, many of them having been patented; but so far as I am aware a quite common defect resides in the inability of this class of devices to maintain a correct focus at all periods of the year and throughont the day. This problem is not so simple as at first sight might appear.

In the present embodiment of my invention I provide a large reflector of a conical shape supported at opposite points in the plane of the meridian and arranged to turn on said points in following' the apparent daily movement of the sun and also arranged to move in the vertical plane of said supporting-points according to the declination of the sun, and if in such an apparatus the pivotal axis of the reflector remains perpendicular at all times to the focal axis of the reflector it follows that the reflector will not turn in its daily movement so as to carry its focal axis in the plane of the suns diurnal path, excepting for those two days in the year when the sun moves in a plane at a right angle to said axis of rotation of' the reflector. So far as I am aware I am the first to make this discovery with two fixed opposite independent supports, and accordingly one of the leading features of my invention resides in providing means for maintaining the reflector, as stated, in focus with the sun irrespective of the changes in the suns declination when the opposite supports are fixed. I accomplish this object hy changing the plane of movement of the axis of the reflector relative to a plane perpendicular 1.o the pivotal axis, or, in other words, instead of maintaining the reflectors axis at all times perpendicular to the pivotal axis of the refiector l vary the angle thereof according to the declination of' the sun.

meridian of the place at an angle corresponding to the latitude of the place, or, stated in a more general form, the angle of the axis of the reector changes relatively to a fixed bearing on which the reflector is supported at its opposite sides. This feature, as Well as otherimportant features of my invention and the details of the mechanical embodiment thereof, will be specifically explained in the course of the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of my invention is shown, and the latter will be more particularly pointed out in the appended claims, also forming part of this specification.

In the drawings, Figure l represents in front elevation a solar generator constructed according to my invention. -Fig. 2 shows the same in side elevation. Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail, partly in section and partly in side elevation, largely broken away, showing the boiler or steam-generating apparatus. a is a top plan view thereof. Zontal section on the line 5 5, Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail, in front elevation, showing one of' the trolley-tracks with the trolley in position. Fig. 7 represents in side elevation, partly broken away, the declination-pulleys and tipping apparatus. Fig. 8 is an enlarged detail, in side elevation and partly in section, showing the turning mechanism. Fig. 9 is a front elevation of the trolley and adjacent lock therefor. Fig. l() is a broken detail showing in top plan View the controller, winding-drum, and adjacent parts; and Fig. ll is an enlarged side elevation of the controller or electrical regulator which I prefer to employ. Referring more particularly to Figs. l an 2, it will he seen that the refiecfor proper, A, has curved sloping walls or is of that kind in which the re fiecting-surface thereof directs the suns rays to a com mon focal line 0r axis, being conical,'7 although I do notmean this term to limit me strictly to a portion of a cone proper; but I mean thereby to include all shapes having curved sloping walls capable of focusing Fig.

The pivotal axis of the reflector is xed in the Fig. 5 is ahori- IOO of a plurality of facets c of suitable reflect-- ing-surface, such as glass or other mirrors, and a backing-frame a', composed of angleirons or other construction suitable for the purpose, the top and bottom being retained in proper curvature by strain-rings a2.

At its opposite sides the reflector A is provided with supports B B', containing fixed bearings 5 5 at the upper ends, in which are alined pivotal shafts. The aXes or center of shafts 52 and 55, or, in other Words, the relative height of the two supportsB B, is at an angle corresponding to the latitude of the place where theinstrument isset up, and the instrument is bodily movable angularly in a vertical planeinclud'ing said pivotal supports. It will be understood lthat the movement last referred to may be secured in any suitable or convenient manner, the means preferred by me being hereinv shown as comprising end tracks O C', curved on an arc whose center corresponds with the center of gravity of the reflector and connected parts, whereby the machine will at all times be in proper equilibrium, thereby rendering it possible to operate it with minimum power and under all the trying conditions of Wind and Weather to which such an instrument is necessarily subjected.

The curved tracks C C are herein shown as arranged in pairs, one of which is indicated in Fig. 6, where it will be seen to comprise opposite tracks'c c', connected by braces c2 and tie-bars o3 or other suitable thrust connection and supportedv rigidly in the required position by beams c4, struts c5, and braces o5, arranged to receive all the direct and lateral thrusts due to the weight of the machine and the wind-pressure, &c. At its upper end each track is supported by braces c7 and struts 08. The two sets of tracks and details of construction are similar for both the upper and lower ends of the machine. These tracks accommodate suitable trolleys, as they may be termed, or antifriction devices D D', on which the tracks move in ei'ectin g the changes of position required 4by the refiector.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 6, 8, and 9, it will be seen that each trolley has four Wheels d, arranged in two pairs to travel on the respective rails C C of the adjacent track, and also has corresponding retaining wheels or rolls D', supported by bell-crank arms d2, pivoted at d3 on the head d1 of the trolley in position to bear against the inner sides of the rails opposite the respective Wheels cl. The bell-cranks d2 are adjustable at d5 for they purpose of enabling the trolleys to be accurately adj usted so as to maintain the machine in precise position as required. The head d4 of each trolley is mounted on and to turn the projecting end of the respective shaft 52 or 53, as the case may be, being retained by any suitable means,v as a nut and washer d5. The lower shaft 52 carries a large' gear 54 in mesh with a pinion 55, journaled in the support B and having its shaft 51' provided With a worin-Wheel 57, driven by a worm 58 on a shaft 59, provided with a gear 510, driven by a pinion 512 of a releasing device 515, retained fast on a shaft 514 by a controlling mechanism somewhat resembling clockwork. Said mechanism may be considerably varied, and has besides a shaft 514 the shaft 515 and proper pinions and connections for transmitting motion, as is clearly shown, said shafts 514 and 515 having at their ends stopping devices, shown as disks 51 517, provided With notches 518 519, adapted to receive pins 520 521, projecting from a lever or detent 522,. pivoted at 522 and carrying an armature 524 at its outer end, arranged to be attracted by a magnet 525, attached to a bracket, energized at suitable intervals by a current from a circuit 52"', leading from an electrical clock or make-and-break device 527, herein shown as making the circuit by means of a second hand 525, engaging an electrical contact 529on the face of the clock. The armature is given quick action by a spring 530, and the motive power which serves to turn the train of gearing of the controller and adjacent parts consists of a windlass or drum 521, on which is wound a rope 532, passing under a directionpulley 553 and over a pulley 534 at the top of the support B, said rope being provided at its free end with a weight 555. Said weight gives a tendency to the train of mechanism described to operate whenever the disengaging ofthe pins 520 521 from the disks 515 51T makes such operation possible, said disengagement being effected by the electrical make-and-break device 527.

The reason for the mechanism just described is that with the varying pressure due to winds any clock directly connected to the moving mechanism is incapable of giving uniformity of daily movement to the reflector, and yet in this cla-ss of machines the movement of the reflector must be absolutely uniform, as otherwise the reflector will not accuratelyfollowthe suns movements, and it is obvious that if the reiiector gets out of focus to the slightest extent the machine is rendered practically useless.

Irregularity of movement of the reflector or imperfect focus thereof is equivalent to removing just so much of the fuel from the boiler, and in order that this disastrous result may not take place and that the machine may be given uniform movement at all times irrespective of the direction or the velocity of the wind and the conditions of temperature, dac., I have provided a powerful motor in the form of the gearing and parts 54 to 515 and a weight and have combined therewith the releasing device or controller and an independently-operated clock which permits said motor to become effective at regular intervals only, thereby insuring that the refiector will be turned by a rapid succession of small in- IIO wir

crements of movement just sufficient to keep j it in focus continuously. As herein shown, the gearing on and between the shafts b Z715 is such that the ratio of rotation of said shafts is as sixteen to one, so that when the disks 516 bare released the latter rotates sixteen tim es before the two notches 1118 b19 are in vertical position to receive simultaneously the pins b2 b21, and this period of time gives opportunity for motion to be communicated to the reiector through the worm-gear and gearing and yet insures that said motion will be properly limited, and also by reason of the locking provision of the worm-Wheel and Worm the moving force must all come from the weight acting on the worm and cannot come from any wind-pressure or other strain acting through the gearing in the reverse direction.

To accomplish the changes in inclination of the reiiector to correspond to the apparent annual movements of the sun, I have mounted coaxially on the pivotal supports of the reflector suitable pulleys, herein shown as mounted immediately behind the heads di of the trolleys, one of said pulleys being shown in section in Fig. 8 at e and being shown as bolted to a worin-wheel c' to turn freely on the bearing e2. The worm-wheel is engaged by a worin e3, mounted in arms e4, projecting from the heads d'1. A rope e5 (see Figs. 2, 6, and 7) is secured at its ends to the lower part of the reflector, being` shown as secured to the lower ends of the track and passes about the opposite pulleys or declination-Wheels e e and under direction-pulleys e6, journaled for convenience in the lower ends of the tracks C C', so that as a worm c3 is turned byany suitable means, as by cranks applied tothe squared ends (see Fig. 9) of its shaft, the adjacent pulley e will be positively turned one way or the other, thereby correspondingly pulling upon one or the other strand of the rope c5, so as to simultaneously lift one of the tracks and depress the opposite track, or vice versa. Also the worin and worm-wheel construction serves as a positive lock to hold the parts in absolutely rigid position as adjusted, preventing any possibility of shifting due to windpres sui-es, dac., and extraneous means. At the upper ends the tracks are provided with direction-pulleys e8, over which passes a steadying-cable ci', secured at its ends to any convcnient place, as in eyes el", provided on the heads d4 of the trolleys. This provision prevents any shifting movement of the reflector which might otherwise be due to wind-pressnres, doc., applied against the lower side of the reflector.

Referring now to Figs. 3 and 5, taken in connection with Figs. l and 2, it will be seen that l have mounted in the focus of the reflector a steam-generating apparatus comprising a central portion or boiler g, an upper portion or combined steam and hot-water drum g, and lower portion or mud-drum or settling-chamber g2. The upper portion of the steam-generating apparatus is required,

as will be evident upon a moments attention, to assume all the various positions from one horizontal position at sunrise to the opposite horizontal position at sunset,and if the steamoutlet were located centrally of the dome it is obvious that the water contained in the chamber g' would run out whenever the reflector was tipped considerably. In order to prevent the disastrous consequences which would follow such a result, l have provided two steanioiitlets, indicated, respectively, at g3g4, (see Fig. 4,) said steam-outlets being connected by pipes g5 gf Q7, which together form an S-shaped pipe or oppositely-extending loops or bends, which may be arched across the dome of the steam and hot-water drum g', as shown in Fig. 3, a steam-outlet being centrally provided at g8 in the intermediate pipe or branch gf.

In operation if the reflector is tipped extremely to one side, so as to bring the waterlevel over the center g8, the water cannot escape thereat because although the lower steam-outlet-as, for instance, gS-will then be below the water-level the other steam-outlet g4 will necessarily be above the waterlevel, so that the steam can pass out through the pipes g5 g6 to the central outlet g8,whereas, on the other hand, if the apparatus is tipped to an extreme in the opposite direction the steain-outlet g4 will be rendered inoperative because of the closure thereof by the contained water, but the opposite outlet g3 will be opened for the passage of steam, which may freely escape through the pipes gf gT and central outlet g8. This feature of' my invention is of considerable importance,and it prevents the liability of the apparatus blowing up or otheriwse destroying itself, and it renders the machine completely operative in the respect noted, wherein it was before incom plete and improperly constructed. For the best results the portion g' should have a larger diameter than the portion g in order that when the parts are tipped to an extreme extent there may be sufficient space within the portion g' to receive the steam and permit the escape thereof through the upper outlet g3 or g4, the case may be. The steamgenerating portion g consists of an inner shell or casing g9 and an outer shell or casing glo, the suns reiiected rays striking against the latter and being conducted to the body of water within, which in turn is converted into steam; and so that the conShc-tion of the heat from the outer casing to the water within it may be rapid and take place to the best advantange I have provided a series of springclips Q12, which bear yieldingly against. both casings, thereby insuring a positive direct contact with the surfaces thereof', which in operation are usually more or less rough, this spring arrangement also cooperating with the inevitable expansion and contraction due to the extremes of temperature to which they are subjected at different times.

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The operation of my solar generator is as p follows: The two stationary supports B B are of such proportion as to heightas to bring the center line or axial line of bearings so as to correspond to the latitude of the place, said supports being erected in a plane parallel to the meridian of the place. The reflector is then turned angularly in a vertical plane-z'. e., its tracks o c' are slid on the trolleys or pivotal points until the focal line or axis of the reflector points to the sun. Having thus adjusted the apparatus, the reflector is turned at sunrise, so that its axial or focal line will be horizontal, thereby point# ing directly at the horizon, and in lthis position at sunrise the turning mechanism is set in operation and continues to turn the machine at a uniform rate, maintaining it in focus with the sun as the latter travels as it is turned until sunset, at which time the focal line of the reflectoris again horizontalor pointing at the horizon in a direction opposite to thatiu the morning. The machineis changed day by day to correspond exactly to the suns declination, being in the median position shown in Fig. 2 at the equinoxes, and being at one side or the other thereof in the intermediate periods of winter and summer.

One great advantage of my construction is that it solves in a simple manner the problem ofvaryiug the time of swinging the reflector from sunrise-horizon position to sunset-horizon position to correspond to the varying lengths of the days, Which, so faras I am aware, has never before been solved in a solar generator having is reflector pivotally supported at opposite sides without adjusting the clock or controlling device, thereby securing uniform movement of the reflector and yet insuring that the focal line of the reflector will pass through the arc of its movement or travel to the opposite horizontal position, or from sunrise to sunset, in precisely the same time that the sun takes in appearing to pass from sunrise to sunset, this time being short in Winter and long in summer. It is obvious that unless the machine accomplishes this result it Will practically be inoperative.

I have already explained that the turningmotor is permitted to be actuated by the weight Z935 step by step and at intervals, according to the electrical contacts made by the mechanism Z227, and the other part of the operationjrhrebyhe focal line, Which in the present instance Vcorresponds to the boiler, passes from one horizontal position to the opposite horizontal position is due to the fact' that said focal line or said boiler is not in a fixed position relatively to the pivotal line of the reflector, but, on the contrary, varies according to the day of the year. Said pivotal and forming an acute angle with the upper portion of said axial line in the Winter-time and an acute angle with the lower portion of said axial line in the summer-time, due to the movement of the tracks c c upon the trolleys d d', and this capability of turning to the extreme horizontal positions does not render the device inoperative by permitting the boiler to empty itself, but the machine continues operative so far as relates to this feature by means of the construction shown in Fig. 4, which renders it certain that the steam shall always have a free outlet without permitting any of the water to flow With it.

It Will be understood that many changes in form, relation, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of' my invention, and therefore l do not otherwise limit myself than as expressed hereinafter in the claims.

Having described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is"

l. A solar generator comprising a reector having curved, sloping walls, fixed supports for reflector at opposite points of the reflector, said reflector being mounted to turn on said support for its diurnal movement, and means for varying the angle ot' the focal axis of the reflector relatively to the fixed pivotal diurnal axis of the reilector according to the declination of the sun.

2. Asolar generator comprising a reflector having a curved reflecting-surface focusing at all points along a straight line or al focal axis, pivotal fixed supports for said reflector at opposite sides thereof for the diurnal movement of the reflector, and means for varying the angle of the focal axis relatively to the said fixed pivotal diurnal axis of the reflector according to the declination of the sun.

3. Asolar generator comprising a reflector Whose surface reflects the suns rays to a common focal line or axis, fixed bearings for the diurnal turning of said reilector'at opposite sides thereof, and means for adjusting the reflector according to the declination of the sun to vary the plane of movement of the focal axis thereof relatively to the center line of said fixed bearings.

4. A solar generator comprising opposite fixed supports set in alinement with the lneridian of the place, said supports containing fixed pivotal bearings at unequal heights, the axial line of said bearings extending at an angle correspondqing to the latitude of the place, a reflector mounted at its opposite sid-es to turn on said bearings, said reflector having curved Walls of the conical type described, and means for tipping said reflector so as to vary the angle of the focal axis thereof relatively to said pivotal line, and means to turn said reflector on said bearings.

5. In a solar generator, opposite fixed supports of unequal heights, each carrying a fixed pivotal bearing for diurnal movement, a reflector carried by said pivotal bearings,

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and means for shifting said reflector transversely of said pivotal bearings into an angular position to correspond to the declination of the sun following` the latters annual movement.

6. In a solar generator, a reflector, having at opposite sides approximately vertical tracks, fixed supports, each of said supports being provided with pivotal bearings for said reflector, and connections between said pivotal supports for moving said tracks relatively to said pivotal bearings.

7. In a solar generator, a reflector, having at its opposite sides tracks, support-s for said retlect-or, said supports being provided with trolley devices pivoted in said supports for receiving said tracks, and means for shifting said tracks simultaneously in opposite directions relatively to the respective supports.

S. In a solar generator, independent supports each provided with a pivotal bearing, said pivotal bearings being in longitudinal alinement, a reflector mounted on said pivotal bearings and having its center of gravity approximately in the line of said pivotal bearings, means for shifting said reflector relatively to said pivotal bearings, said reflect-or being maintained with its center of gravity in the said pivotal line in all the changing positions of the reflector.

9. A reflector provided at opposite sides with arc-shaped tracks, opposite supports for said tracks, each support having a fixed journal-bearing provided with means for engaging the adjacent track, said bearings when in an intermediate position relatively to said tracks serving to support said reflectorin the line of its center of gravity or in equilibrium, and means for moving said tracks relatively to the said fixed bearings without destroying said equilibrium.

10. In a solar generator, aretlector, adapted to gather the suns rays to a common focus, and means for turning said reflector at uniform speed unaffected by wind-pressure, &c. to follow the diurnal movement of the sun, said turning means comprising a motor tending at all times to turn the reflector and a controller for rendering said motor operative at regular short intervals throughout the day and inoperative for the intervening intervals.

11. In a solar generator, a reector, adapted to gather the suns rays to a common focus, and turning means for maintaining a uniform speed irrespective of variations in wind-pressure, position of the reflector, dac., following the diurnal movement of the sun, said turning means comprising a motor tending at all times to turn the reflector and a controller for rendering said motor operative at regular short intervals throughout the day and inoperative for the interveningintervals, said controllerincludingastopping device and detent, and a secondary independently-operated controlling mechanism as a clock, regulating the action thereof.

12. In a solar generator, a reflector, a track,

a pivot on which the reflector may turn, and a trolley carried by said pivot to engage said track, said trolley comprisingl pairs of' Wheels adapted to engage the front side and back side of said track.

13. In a solar generator, a reflector, a track, a pivot 011 which the reflector may turn, and a trolley carried by said pivot to engage said track, said trolley comprising pairs of wheels adapted to engage the front side and the back side of said track, and means for adjusting said pairs of wheels so as to make a close lit on said tracks.

14. In a solar generator, a reflector, having at its opposite sides pivotal supports, guiding devices to hold said reflectorin position relatively to said supports, declination-wheels mounted in fixed position, direction-pulleys mounted on the reflector, and a cable fastened at its ends to the reflector and passing about said declination-wheels and said direction-pulleys whereby a movement of the cable will simultaneously move the opposite sides of the reflector in opposite directions.

15. In a solar generator, a reflector, having at its opposite sides pivotal supports, guiding devices to hold said reflector in position relatively to said supports, declination-whcels mounted in fixed position, direction-pulleys mounted on the reflector, and a cable fastened at its ends to the reflector and passing about said declination-wheels and said directionpulleys, and other direction-pulleys mounted on the reflector opposite the first-mentioned direction-pulleys, and a steadying-cable secured in fixed position at its ends and passing over said second-mention ed direction-pulleys.

16. In a solar generator, a reflector of the conical type described, supports therefor permitting said reflector to follow the diurnal movement of the sun, a steam -generating apparatus in the focus of the reflector, said `steam-generating apparatus having a lower portion to receive water to be converted into steam and an upper portion to receive the steam and water, said boiler being tipped with the reflector, and means for preventing the water from escaping with the steam through the top of the steam-generating apparatus when the latter is tipped into approximately horizontal position. A

17. In a solar generator, a reflector of the conical type described, pivotalsupports therefor permitting said reflector to follow the diurnal movement of the sun, a steam-generating apparatus in the focus of the reflector,said steam-generating apparatus having a lower portion to receive water to be converted into steam and an upper portion to receive the steam and water, said boiler being tipped with the reflector, and means for preventing the water from escaping with the steam through the top of the steam-generating apparatus When the latter is tipped into approximately horizontal position, said means including a steam-outlet on the upper side of IOO the top of the steam-generating apparatus, and pipe in the form of a loop extending substantially across the steam-generating apparatus for the escape of the steam.

18. In a solar generator, av reflector of the conical type described, pivotal su pports therefor permitting said reflector to follow the diurnal movement of the sun, a steam-generating apparatus in the focus of the reflector, said steam-generating apparatus having a lower portion to receive Water to be converted into steam and an upper portion to receive the steam and water, said boiler heilig tipped with the reflector, and means for preventing the Water from escaping with the steam through the top of the steam-generating apparatus when the latter is tipped .into approximately horizontal position, said means including a steam-outlet provided at the opposite upper and lower sides of the top of the steam-generating apparatus, and a pipe extending in .the forni of a double loop or S- shaped, substantially across the steam-generating apparatus and connecting said two outlets and provided at approximately the center with an outlet for the steam.

19. ln a solar generator, a steam-generating apparatus com prisinga boiler having con centric surfaces and a series of vertically-disposed spring strips or plates between said two surfaces and pressing yieldingly against the same for conducting the heat from the outer surface to the inner surface and permitting the relative expansion and contraction of the parts.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

AUBREY GENEAS.

NVitnesses:

GEo. H. MAXWELL, GEo. W. GREGORY. 

